Sundays with Sam is a combination of Sunday Post hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer and Stacking the Shelves hosted by Tynga's Reviews.
My Week in Review
Hey! It's a new year. I hope it's off to a good start, and that 2020 is good to you all.
I haven't been doing much other than reading and working, but at least the reading has been very good and it's been busy at work. We had a little farewell party on Friday for one of my co-workers, who got a new position with a different department. This was my desk neighbor, and because we sat apart from the rest of the group, we shared a special kinship. It was also the last day for my co-worker, who gave me the gift of 30 minutes per day by driving me to the train station after work. She is starting her maternity leave. Lots of goodbyes, but, as always, I am still in the same exact spot.
At least I am enjoying my concert prep. I have Motion City Soundtrack running in the background as I countdown to the show on Friday. I hope Justin Pierre didn't tame his hair, while they were in retirement. Here's one of my faves (though I think they all are)
Symbiotic relationship of the day. pic.twitter.com/t7hjMbgt2Y— Dick King-Smith HQ (@DickKingSmith) December 31, 2019
to adventurers, few monsters are as crafty or as feared as the deadly Mimic pic.twitter.com/SiOU0wYcqr— Sam Sykes (@SamSykesSwears) December 26, 2019
Friday 3rd January, 2020 pic.twitter.com/e801Azo9ve— Hedgehog of the Day (@daily__hedgehog) January 3, 2020
Let's Discuss!
On the Blog:
- Sunday: Top 10 of 2019 - OTPs Favorite Fictional Couples
- Monday: Top 10 of 2019 - The Best of the Best
- Tuesday: Top 10 of 2019 - Looking Forward to
- Wednesday: CWW - Chain of Gold, A Little Wanting Song
- Thursday: Blog Tour - Loveboat, Taipei by Abigail Hing Wen
- Friday: Five Star Friday - December 2019
STACKING THE SHELVES
Bought/Free
- Speakeasy by Sarina Bowen
- The Long Distance Playlist by Tara Eglington
- The Guy on the Left by Kate Stewart
- Stronger Than Words by Paula Stokes
Edelweiss/NetGalley
- Smash It! by Francina Simone
- The Last Train to Key West by Chanel Cleeton
What I Read Last Week
I knew it would be a perfect match for me, when the title had the word "cute" in it. Tweet Cute gave me sunshine and smiles, and I had the best time reading it. If you want a warm-fluffy-fun read - read it.
Books
- Tweet Cute by Emma Lord - ★★★★★
- This Train is Being Held by Ismée Amiel Williams - ★★★★
- The Hand on the Wall by Maureen Johnson - ★★★★ 1/2
- A Little Wanting Song by Cath Crowley - ★★★★ review
- Break in Case of Emergency by Brian Francis - ★★★★
- My Friend Flika by Mary O'Hara - ★★★ review
- Georgia Peaches and Other Forbidden Fruit by Jaye Robin Brown - ★★★★ review
- Gravity by Sarah Deming - ★★★★ review
What I Am Currently Reading
I haven't really started Prom yet. I downloaded it, because I want to pump up my "prom" shelf, and I am curious why so many people hated it. If it's as bad as people say, this is probably the last you will hear of it, but there were a few positive ratings from people I follow, so, why not!
I found out that Paula Stokes had a manuscript out on SwoonReads, so I had to read it. I am loving it so far. Stronger Than Words about a girl, who found power in words, and then is suddenly left without them, when she suffers from a stroke. The close relationship between her and her sister emerges early, and I am really enjoying it so far. If you are interested, you can read it here.
- Stronger Than Words by Paula Stokes
- Prom by Laurie Halse Anderson (audiobook)
What I Plan to Read
- Echoes Between Us by Katie McGarry
- The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa
- Scammed by Kristen Simmons
- Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard
How was your week?
Let us know in the comments!
Let us know in the comments!
That cat and the window washer- classic! And glad reading is off to as good start for you. I have yet to finish a book in the new year- I'm officially slacking lol. Oh well there's lots of time yet! I'll keep telling myself that. :)
ReplyDeleteNice to hear that Paula Stokes' new one is good.
Ooh The Hand on the Wall. Yikes I'm in danger of falling behind on that series.
Hand on the Wall is the finale, so soon, they will all be out! It's not terrible waiting for the completion of the series, then you can read them all in a row. I enjoyed Stokes' new book. Interesting seeing a teen recover from a stroke, and the extra drama element worked for me too. I hope you finish your first 2020 book soon, and that it's a winner.
DeleteI hope the people who'll step in for those who left will be nice and friendly, and you'll work well together! Speaking of which, have you started the 30-minute-longer shift yet?
ReplyDeleteThere is no one stepping in, so, no problem! I start the dreaded 30 on Monday. Boo! I will go from getting home around 5 pm to 6:30 ish. I have already deleted all the TV shows I needed to watch. I mean, I didn't watch that much (3 shows a week), but with losing 7.5 hours a week, I can't afford the time in front of the TV. I just have to look harder for a new job
DeleteIt's sad to lose a work buddy. I never really had one myself. My roles have always been so solitary. It's also part of why I am desperately trying to find a new job but it is soooooooooo slow going. It depresses me when I tell people exactly how long I've been looking for one and have gotten absolutely nowhere. I'm reallllly hoping 2020 will be my year! Fingers and toes crossed!
ReplyDeleteNice new reads too! New to me ones as usual but I hope you enjoy them all!
Here's my StS
Have a GREAT day!
Old Follower :)
I will miss her, but it was a great opportunity. Wish I had heard about it first. I told her to let me know when there is an opening, because it would be a great job for me. My job is solitary, but we work in the same space, and collaborate at times. I can feel it! 2020 is your year!
DeleteI always love the animal videos you share---the cat on the box one is hilarious! I saw your review of Stronger Than Words (on Goodreads), which put it on my radar. I'll definitely be reading it now!!
ReplyDeleteNicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
Cat vids are the only reason to come to the internet. I really enjoyed the Stokes book. I can't help but root for an underdog
DeleteAhhh a new Paula Stokes book, I need to read that one, it sounds fantastic and I've been loving everything by her so far :)
ReplyDeleteI hope you'll have a wonderful week <3 <3
It was really good, and it was interesting working through the recovery from a stroke
DeleteThat was nice of your co-worker to give you a ride to the train station. Maybe someone else will take her place? The cat with window washer is a funny one.
ReplyDeleteI read A Little Wanting Song a while back and now I can't even remember what it was about. I do enjoy Cath Crowley, but my favorite from her was Graffiti Moon.
In all the years I worked there, she was the only one to offer a ride, because it was on her way. Doesn't matter with the new hours anyhow. I have now read 3 from Crowley, and Words in Deep Blue is still my favorite, though I really enjoyed all her books
DeleteHell sorry to hear that your trip to work will become longer now Sam! On another note that "cat trap" had me snorting in my kitchen! Have fun at your "untamed hair" concert LOL
ReplyDeleteCat trap was fantastic! The schedule change can end up being good for me. Maybe it will light a fire under me to find a new job
DeleteI can't seem to stay focused with my reading. I'm reading several at once. LOL Those cat videos are just what I needed!
ReplyDeleteThe most I juggle is two books - one ebook, one audio. I have never been great with too many books at one time. Glad the cats made you smile. That's my goal.
DeleteI read Tweet Cute on New Year's Eve and really enjoyed it. It was cute! So really the perfect title :) I downloaded The Last Train to Key West as soon as I saw that it was available. I have been loving that series. I hope to read Echoes Between Us this week as well. I hope you have a great week, Sam!
ReplyDeleteI am truly grateful, that the title fit the book, because you know I love a cute story. I don't even like historical fiction, but I love Cleeton's series. So, far I am loving Echoes. Fingers crossed, you like it too
DeleteHappy New Year, Sam! I hope you enjoy your concert. :)
ReplyDeleteThe cats in the box video had me giggling. This is the good side of the interwebs!
That cat in the box is fantastic! I love that we have cats that do such things, and that people are able to capture it for our enjoyment.
DeleteI hope you really enjoy the concert! I'm super jealous that you got The Guy on the Left. I'm really looking forward to that one.
ReplyDeleteI still haven't read The Guy on the Right, but all I have seen are positive reviews, so, I bought it
DeleteYou definitely need to read it. I think you'll enjoy it!
DeleteSoon, very soon
DeleteI love these weekly posts <3 I hope you enjoy the book by Katie McGarry. She's such a great author <3
ReplyDeleteI love McGarry, and I am really enjoying her new book. It's more like the last one, and even set in the same world.
DeleteThat sounds like a tough week at work for you.
ReplyDeleteMy actual job is not tough or stressful, just my commute. Gotta hope change, for the better, is on the horizon.
DeleteIt can be tough when co-workers move on. We spend so much time with these people every day... more than we see our families, usually. Our CEO retired last week and we've worked side by side for 14 years (and know each other for 28 years). I really want to read something by Kate Stewart! I have a feeling I'll love her. :) I think Echoes Between Us is going to be my next read. Hope we both love it!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read either book I bought by Kate Stewart...yet! But everyone is raving about the series and Amazon did that spend get a credit thing, so obviously, I had to buy it. Echoes is excellent so far. Hope you love it
DeleteI hate saying goodbye to coworkers! Like, I wanna be happy for them, but I'm low key feeling abandoned. Hopefully you get a new deskmate that is awesome!
ReplyDeleteI am low key feeling abandoned, but also a little jealous. Right now they are leaving me by myself, which is fine. I like the quiet
DeleteI'm looking forward to this new year :) It's always hard saying bye to friends and nice coworkers. I hope you enjoy your Prom read :)
ReplyDeleteLindy@ A Bookish Escape
Prom was a DNF, but it's all good. I had to see for myself.
Delete